Some things old and some things new in one of Asia’s most exciting cities

From the elegant afternoon tea service at the Peninsula Hotel, to designer shopping in Central, to family dim sum at Maxim’s; Hong Kong has a deserved reputation of being high class and expensive. However, it isn’t necessary to have Jackie Chan’s budget to enjoy Hong Kong, especially if you’re traveling with kids who would rather be on the move than sitting through a multi-course meal. In fact, many of my family’s favorite moments involve flinging ourselves on something that moves, which in Hong Kong, is usually free or cheap.

Often dubbed "Hollywood East," Hong Kong's dynamic blend of old and new continues to captivate local and Hollywood film-makers, giving the densely packed city a rich cinematic history.

Ocean Park is a major attraction in Hong Kong, the luminous pearl of the Orient and world financial center in southeast China. Hong Kong's mild climate and coastal scenery, attracts throngs of visitors annually from all over world. Any visit to Hong Kong should include the world famous Ocean Park.

The MTR is Hong Kong's subway system, or if you're European the Metro. It is universally referred to as the MTR, subway in Hong Kong connotes the British meaning of an underground passageway.

The railway service operated by KCRC (Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation) in Hong Kong has a history of nearly 97 years old. In 1910 KCR trains ran as a single track system from Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon through the New Territories and up to the border to China Mainland at Lo Wu. Today KCR currently provides three domestic passenger rail services: East Rail, West Rail and Light Rail. It carries about 1.6 million passengers on its 120-km railway network each day.

The city of Hong Kong is well-linked by an interesting network of roads and flyovers which are again served by different modes of transportation – train, bus, taxi and tram. The Hong Kong Bus Service offers excellent services in and around the city.

Not many people associate Hong Kong with world-beating beaches, however with over 200 Islands, the territory is blessed with a host of top-quality beaches. Please remember when visiting Hong Kong beaches, Hong Kong is hot and just like a good boy scout, it’s best to be prepared. Wear high factor sun-cream before grilling. Similarly Hong Kong beaches are strictly non-nudist across the board, and you’re likely to find the long arm of the law if you peel off your clothes.

If you know Hong Kong only as a metropolis of concrete canyons and neon signs, the notion of hiking here might seem as ludicrous as clubbing at the North Pole or skiing in the Sahara. And yet, Hong Kong is a marvellous place for hiking.

HONG KONG's newest tourist attraction, a 25-minute cable-car ride over the rugged green hills of Lantau Island, says a lot about this former British colony.

If you're about to land at the new airport and you know little of Hong Kong save the concrete and neon land "where east meets west", you're in for a surprise. Mountains rather than high-rises dominate the view — especially to the south, where you might glimpse a giant Buddha perched on a hilltop.

A Nature Lover? The Hong Kong Wetland Park which opened to the public on 20 May 2006 is the perfect place for you. Immerse yourself in an informative adventure using audio-visual shows, models, interactive computer presentations and close-up access to the nature's wildlife.

The worlds of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy are very much alive in Hong Kong’s Lantau island. PHILIP LIM journeys there to uncover its latest wonders.

When you’re looking for a place to stay in Hong Kong, staying in a hostel is usually the cheapest way to go. And sleeping cheap means you’ll have a little extra money for all that high-powered shopping or fancy dining you’re planning to do while you’re there! After all, this is Hong Kong, city of boutiques and famous restaurants - neither of which require that you spend an arm and a leg on an expensive hotel room.

From the elegant afternoon tea service at the Peninsula Hotel, to designer shopping in Central, to family dim sum at Maxim’s; Hong Kong has a deserved reputation of being high class and expensive. However, it isn’t necessary to have Jackie Chan’s budget to enjoy Hong Kong, especially if you’re traveling with kids who would rather be on the move than sitting through a multi-course meal. In fact, many of my family’s favorite moments involve flinging ourselves on something that moves, which in Hong Kong, is usually free or cheap.